Duljo placed under state of calamity

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Council has placed Barangay Duljo-Fatima under a state of calamity following a huge fire on Christmas Day that left more than 3,000 individuals homeless. The declaration will allow the utilization of calamity fund.

The barangay has P675,000 calamity funds which will be used to purchase housing materials, hygiene kits and food packs for the affected residents. The P20,000 financial assistance to the family of Cyrus John Ferras, who perished during the fire, will also be charged against the calamity fund.

The fire razed 388 houses, affecting 659 families and 3, 075 individuals. The Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) is still validating the list of affected residents for financial assistance and housing materials from the city government.

The city government is giving each family P20,000 assistance and at least 10 sheets of galvanized iron and 10 plywood.

Opposition Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr. tried to question the resolution sponsored by Councilor David Tumulak. Alcover asked if it is the policy of the administration to bypass the barangay officials after he heard reports that the distribution of food packs was not coursed through the barangay.

“Wala giagi sa konseho, nireklamo ang mga tawo. I think it was in a place nga ang mga fire victims dili maka-avail dayon kay tua sa San Nicolas Elementary School gibutang. Is that the policy of the administration,” Alcover said.

Tumulak said it is not the policy of the administration to bypass the barangay officials. He clarified that the city government is just helping the barangay. According to Tumulak, there was also no space available in the barangay to distribute the food assistance.

 “In the sport complex pwerte gyud punoa. Wala natay laing lugar, og adto sad sa barangay hall, it would also affect the services of our health center. Diha sa ubos sa barangay hall, naa sad diha ang receiving sa mga donations coming from other barangays and other companies,” Tumulak said.

He further said that they even urged the fire victims to vacate the gymnasium for safety purposes amid the incoming typhoon.

“Wala gyu’y enough space for the food storage kay we prioritize the fire victims,” Tumulak said.

Since last Thursday, most of the affected residents are staying in the barangay hall and in the gymnasium. Only few are utilizing the evacuation center in San Nicolas Elementary School. — FPL (FREEMAN)